Pyrethrum is a variable mixture of Cinerin, Jasmolin, and Pyrethrin. [NIOSH] Used in shampoos to kill human lice and in household sprays to kill indoor pests; also used on some crops, in grain storage, in poultry confinement areas, and in dog pens; [EXTOXNET]

Comments

Pyrethrum is an extract of dried chrysanthemum flowers. The extract contains natural insecticides known as pyrethrins. Crude pyrethrum is a skin and respiratory allergen that has cross-reactivity with ragweed. The refined pyrethrins are less allergenic. Pyrethrins are poorly absorbed and rapidly degraded. Rare human cases of neurotoxicity have been reported. Pyrethroids, chemically similar to pyrethrins, are synthetic insecticides that are stable enough to use for field applications. [EPA Pesticides, p. 68-9] A hypersensitivity pneumonitis syndrome has been reported associated with exposure to pyrethrum; [Harber, p. 204] Large oral doses of pyrethrins cause liver damage in animals; [EXTOXNET] Danger of skin sensitization; [MAK]

Other animal data: It has been reported that rats experienced moderate lung congestion when exposed for 30 minutes to 6,000 mg/m3 pyrethrum in peanut oil [Carpenter et al. 1950].
Human data: It has been estimated that the fatal human dose might be between 1 and 2 g/kg [Gosselin et al. 1984; Lehman 1949]. [Note: An oral dose of 1 to 2 g/kg is equivalent to a 70kg worker being exposed to about 47,000 to 93,000 mg/m3 for 30 minutes, assuming a breathing rate of 50 liters per minute and 100% absorption.

Category

Pyrethrins/Pyrethroids

Description

Brown, viscous oil or solid. [insecticide]; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Pyrethrum is a variable mixture of Cinerin, Jasmolin, and Pyrethrin. [NIOSH] Used in shampoos to kill human lice and in household sprays to kill indoor pests; also used on some crops, in grain storage, in poultry confinement areas, and in dog pens; [EXTOXNET]

Comments

Pyrethrum is an extract of dried chrysanthemum flowers. The extract contains natural insecticides known as pyrethrins. Crude pyrethrum is a skin and respiratory allergen that has cross-reactivity with ragweed. The refined pyrethrins are less allergenic. Pyrethrins are poorly absorbed and rapidly degraded. Rare human cases of neurotoxicity have been reported. Pyrethroids, chemically similar to pyrethrins, are synthetic insecticides that are stable enough to use for field applications. [EPA Pesticides, p. 68-9] A hypersensitivity pneumonitis syndrome has been reported associated with exposure to pyrethrum; [Harber, p. 204] Large oral doses of pyrethrins cause liver damage in animals; [EXTOXNET] Danger of skin sensitization; [MAK]

Reference Link

Exposure Assessment

Skin Designation (ACGIH)

Insufficient data

TLV (ACGIH)

5 mg/m3

PEL (OSHA)

5 mg/m3

IDLH (NIOSH)

5000 mg/m3

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Other animal data: It has been reported that rats experienced moderate lung congestion when exposed for 30 minutes to 6,000 mg/m3 pyrethrum in peanut oil [Carpenter et al. 1950].
Human data: It has been estimated that the fatal human dose might be between 1 and 2 g/kg [Gosselin et al. 1984; Lehman 1949]. [Note: An oral dose of 1 to 2 g/kg is equivalent to a 70kg worker being exposed to about 47,000 to 93,000 mg/m3 for 30 minutes, assuming a breathing rate of 50 liters per minute and 100% absorption.